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Hey I just bought a auto 1990 525i with 210k miles for $1500. The head was replaced 15k miles ago, timing belt replaced 20k ago... new suspension all around, newish tires (rubber goes fast here in the southwest, though). New hoses all around (except the lower radiator).

Although I already bought it (it was a pretty good deal - I couldn't pass it up), I was wondering if there are things specific to this car that I should look out for (common problems). The only real concern I have is the transmission having 210k miles on it... I read mixed reviews about the trans. and wonder if anybody has input on the reliability of it. It feels really solid, but I am used to a clutch and a stick. Shift points feel odd on down shift.

These are pretty durable cars That said, you will be on a continual maintenance program since it is a 20+ yr old high end vehicle.

Personally, I would never have bought one with an automatic. They seem to last fairly well when maintained but maintenance is often difficult to verify on cars of this age. At 210k miles, you are on borrowed time, few of them make it beyond 250k. It will not shift like a modern auto, because it isn't. Just make sure the fluid is the correct level and a nice red/pink color with no burnt smell. I think there is also a cable adjustment near the throttle body that affects shift points, make sure it is properly adjusted, I suspect the procedure is in the Bentley manual.

+1 on above. When (if) you get it give it a full Insp2 service and a wheel alignment. Bit expensive but gives a base line for future maintenance. Good luck with it. BTW keep an eye on battery cables, terminations and earth points. They seem to be the start of all sorts of problems. Get to them first.

I have the same car and would NEVER buy another one. It's basically like driving a tank with airconditioning. I parked mine in the garage a couple weeks ago,....came back 7 days later and it gave up the ghost. I've checked everything under the sun and everything imaginable and it still won't start.

You can have mine for free...come get it....it has only a couple hundred miles on a brand new set of tires. Interior is almost perfect. By the weekend we are going to push it out of the garage and into the woods behind our house. In about a hundred years it will melt right back into Mother Earth .

Free Tip - I would NOT buy that car !!

Rick in Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by boriska137

hello guys, I am planing to purchase a used 1995 540i with 116,000 miles on it . I was wondering if you have any comments about this model and it's relaibility
Thank you.
Bob

I just bought a 520i with 125k only, front shocks where shot, battery, cluster, door handle seals, tappet cover gasket, front rotors, a/c clutch bearing,( not fixed ), all shot but now all fixed and I can't stop driving her, what a drive, a bit of a slug with the 2 ltr but worth every penny. enjoy your bimmer. BTW anyone had trouble with the LCD display in cluster that shows what gear you r in, mine fade out when it's hot weather

These are pretty durable cars That said, you will be on a continual maintenance program since it is a 20+ yr old high end vehicle.

This^

Quote:

Originally Posted by rv6rick

I have the same car and would NEVER buy another one. It's basically like driving a tank with airconditioning. I parked mine in the garage a couple weeks ago,....came back 7 days later and it gave up the ghost. I've checked everything under the sun and everything imaginable and it still won't start.

You can have mine for free...come get it....it has only a couple hundred miles on a brand new set of tires. Interior is almost perfect. By the weekend we are going to push it out of the garage and into the woods behind our house. In about a hundred years it will melt right back into Mother Earth .

Free Tip - I would NOT buy that car !!

Rick in Ohio

Not this^

Here's why.
Yes these are 20+ year old cars who in their prime were the good expensive imports from europe.
They will (within reason) take pretty much anything you throw at it.
However they are again 20+ year old cars.
There will be some maintenance... expect it, understand it, love it (not really), deal with it.
And not all of it will not be pretty.
If the idea of turning a wrench is not your cup of tea.
Then maybe these cars aren't for you. Go honda. Just honest.

It's like having kids.
You should already understand that they will cry, make a mess of things and/or themselves,
do some things that question your own intelligence, break a bone, get cuts, scrapes and some bruises.
They will just require some attention and love to make them happy and fly right.
If not then sell and by a honda.
Just being honest.

I agree autos are not the most ideal to dive into on a elder BMW.
But if it's strong and not jerky.
Drive it till it falls out and replace with a 5 speed manual.
Don't bother rebuilding the auto trans. Waste of time and money.

A 5 or 6 speed manual e34 is the epicenter of asphalt clitorical pleasure.

Here's why.
Yes these are 20+ year old cars who in their prime were the good expensive imports from europe.
They will (within reason) take pretty much anything you throw at it.
However they are again 20+ year old cars.
There will be some maintenance... expect it, understand it, love it (not really), deal with it.
And not all of it will not be pretty.
If the idea of turning a wrench is not your cup of tea.
Then maybe these cars aren't for you. Go honda. Just honest.

It's like having kids.
You should already understand that they will cry, make a mess of things and/or themselves,
do some things that question your own intelligence, break a bone, get cuts, scrapes and some bruises.
They will just require some attention and love to make them happy and fly right.
If not then sell and by a honda.
Just being honest.

I agree autos are not the most ideal to dive into on a elder BMW.
But if it's strong and not jerky.
Drive it till it falls out and replace with a 5 speed manual.
Don't bother rebuilding the auto trans. Waste of time and money.

A 5 or 6 speed manual e34 is the epicenter of asphalt clitorical pleasure.

Awesome stuff!
Yeah, I am not scared to turn a wrench at all. Not saying I know what I am doing... but I always make sure to do my research and LEARN what to do before I do it. So far the e34 is doing great. A lot of the suspension has been replaced over the past years - so it has a better than expected ride. I'm going to change the water pump, and replace the one remaining old hose that I can find before the AZ summer hits. Seems as though who ever changed the brakes decided not to replace the sensors on the pad. The dash light stating "brake lining" ALMOST bothers me enough to take the tires off and replace the sensors.

If any body is getting a car for speed, this is not the BMW for you - get the e30 with the same engine. But the ride is so nice and visibility is really good, too.